What is it about face masks that make them a universal favourite? Honestly, it is the perfect hack to get a glowing, radiant and fresh skin without a lot of effort. If you are going to a party or planning to attend a function, but you don’t have time to follow rigorous regime or go to a salon for a quick fix, try out some simple face masks that you can simply make and apply at home.
Natural resources over harsh chemicals
A face mask or face pack comes handy in removing the impurities of your skin by absorbing the excess oils and treating your skin. Especially in cities where the pollution levels are high, using them becomes incumbent. Beauty expert Supriya Malik, founder of a beauty oil brand, swears by organic masks and vouches for natural ingredients to maintain quality and safety. She says, “To plump up those skin cells and to rehydrate them, a face mask/pack can come to each one’s rescue. It may vary from one skin type to another and also caters to different concerns. One of the major skin concerns that people face these days is open pores. Do not fall into the trap of using chemicals as the effect of those is only ephemeral. Always rely on nature – a key rule in skincare is to not put anything on your skin that you cannot eat. Whatever we put on our skin gets absorbed quickly, so choosing natural and organic products is essential.”
Effective for different skin types
The formula to make effective use of the product is to use it as, when and how it is required. Cosmetic engineer and founder of skin care brand, Dolly Kumar, insists that facemasks that are made of superfood actives like seaweed, pistachio, dragon fruit, coffee, chocolate and juicy fresh fruits like blueberry, lime, etc. are not only effective but also keep irritation and rashes at bay. She informs, “So we already know that there are various types facemasks – like clay based facemasks which has ingredients like Fuller’s earth (Multani Mitti) and kaolin clay (an exotic Amazonian clay), and there are peel-offs like fruit peel-offs and charcoal peel-off, and thanks to the Korean innovations we now know about sleeping masks and what not. When you are choosing a clay-based face mask, always pick the one with a mousse texture, because it won’t crack on your skin when it is dried out. Clay is good for all skin types for a good reason – whether oily, sensitive, normal or combination skin, it helps draw out the impurities and absorb excess oils that are on the surface of the skin.”
Although most experts strongly believe in the power of Fuller’s earth for most skin problems, a lot of newage beauticians also push probiotics like yogurt as an all-around beauty multi-tasker. It contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, that dissolves dead skin cells and is good for gentle exfoliation to prevent breakouts. When topically applied to the skin, a velvety yogurt face mask will help moisturise, fight acne, prevent premature aging, relieve sunburn, and reduce discolouration.
Mind the dos and don’ts
Products placed on our skin have direct entry to the bloodstream, whereas the food we ingest is first metabolised by the liver. Ensure that the “food” for your skin is pure, organic, and free of toxins. For the best effect of a mask on your skin, Simrita Singh, a beauty expert, and co-founder of an organic skincare brand, doles out these rules and recommends, “Masks can deeply cleanse pores and reduce their size, with some masks serving double duty as exfoliants. Always remember to wash clay masks off your face after five to 10 mins. Otherwise, it can dry out your skin. Also, clay masks work like a charm and are effective for back acne too.” “Remember no talking or smiling with masks on, just breathe and relax. Additionally, body brushing, cleansing with a facial mitt or buff, using deeply cleansing masks, and using natural cleansing grains, can all help exfoliate dead surface cells and maintain efficient skin cell turnover,” advices Singh.
